Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick share their personal experiences and emotions as they both prepare to celebrate recovery milestones in the next two months. They reflect on the significance of their upcoming sober birthdays and how these celebrations motivate them to continue their journey.

Introduction with Matt and Ryan

[00:00 - 03:00]
Matt and Ryan introduce the concept of a sober birthday and set the stage for the discussion.

Significance of a Sober Birthday
[03:01 - 08:30]

Explanation of what a sober birthday is.
Discussion on how it shows progress boosts self-esteem and motivates continued sobriety. Importance of identifying as a RECOVERING addict or alcoholic.

Personal Reflections on Upcoming Sober Birthdays

[08:31 - 13:45] Comparing sober birthdays to traditional birthdays and their emotional impact.

How to Celebrate a Sober Birthday
[13:46 - 19:36]
Tips for planning the celebration, including choosing the right guest list.

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Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick delve into why summer parties can be particularly challenging for those recovering from substance abuse. These gatherings often feature a lot of alcohol and sometimes drugs, which can trigger memories of past substance use for your loved one. They discuss the pressure that addicts might feel to either drink to fit in or risk feeling left out if they don’t. It’s a delicate balance.

Matt and Ryan highlight four key points:

Check Your Guest List: Be mindful of who you invite to create a supportive environment.

Communication is Key: Openly discuss plans and concerns with your loved one.

Be Supportive: Offer encouragement and understanding throughout the event.

Respect Boundaries: Invite your loved one, but respect their decision if they choose not to attend. If your loved one needs a meeting or seems out of place during the party, understand that they might feel overwhelmed. Knowing these factors can help create a more comfortable and inclusive atmosphere.

Timestamps

4:12 - 6:55 | Check Your Guest List

• As the caregiver, you have some influence over how things go.
• Remember, you don't need to walk on eggshells around our feelings and recovery.
• Our recovery is ultimately our responsibility.

6:56 - 9:50 | Communication is Key

• Communication is crucial.
• Have an open and honest conversation with your loved one.
• Ask them what they need from you to feel safe and supported.

9:53 - 13:09 | Be Supportive

• If your loved one needs a meeting or seems out of place at parties, understand that they might feel overwhelmed.
• We know it's a lot to ask, but you play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment.

13:08 - 15:59 | It’s Up to Us to Change

• Caregivers may expect immediate results, but recovery takes time.
• It’s up to the addict to change their life.
• Be patient; recovery takes time and is full of ups and downs.

Resources

• Social Media: Follow us on X/Insta: @sobriety_pod
• Podcasts: Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate.
• Meetings:
• • Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org
  • AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings
  • NA Meetings (Virtual): virtual-na.org
• Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255 (24/7)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick delve into the challenges that summer parties pose for those in recovery. These gatherings often feature alcohol and sometimes drugs, which can evoke memories of past substance use for your recovering loved one. The hosts explore the pressures to conform and the feelings of exclusion that can arise when someone abstains from drinking in a social setting. Striking the right balance is crucial.

Discussions and Timestamps:

5:46 - 7:41 - The guys discuss the importance of checking your guest list. If a family member is still drinking and might be disrespectful, leaving them off the guest list is best to avoid conflict. As the host, you have control over these situations.

7:51 - 12:20 - Communication is so important. Have an open and honest conversation with your loved one. Ask them what they need from you to feel safe and supported. Sometimes, knowing you know their struggles can be a huge comfort.

12:20 16:28 - Be supportive. If your loved one feels out of place or needs a meeting during the party, they might feel overwhelmed. We know it's a lot to ask, but your support is crucial in creating a supportive environment.

17:00 - 20:04 - Respect your loved ones' boundaries at the party, but always respect their boundaries. Including them shows they are valued, but be mindful of their comfort levels and personal limits regarding social situations and potential triggers.

Resources:

Social X/Insta: @sobriety_pod.

Podcasts: Spotify, Apple, Please like, subscribe, and rate

Meetings: Al-Anon.org

aa.intergroup.org/meetings, Meetings (virtual-na.org)

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255 (24/7)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.